Fake Fan Fiction ❯ Trial By Fire ❯ Chapter Three ( Chapter 3 )

Trial By Fire

­Chapter 3

By Gena S. Durrell (aka Demoness)

Disclaimer: I don't own FAKE. Dee, Ryo and the other FAKE characters are the genius of Sanami Matoh.

Warning: Shounen-ai / Yaoi / Strong language, and sexual situations between men. If mano o mano sex is not your thing, go somewhere else to play.

Rating: R (No lemon yet, but a definite taste of lime)

Pairing: Dee x Ryo

Summary: Picking up where volume #7 leaves off, while caught up in the rapture of exploring their new relationship, Ryo is coming to terms with changes in his life now that Dee is his lover. The couple soon discover Ryo is not the only one finding changes and new acceptance as Dee starts to find hidden layers to himself he never knew existed and only Ryo can bring out. After they take on an undercover assignment, something unexpected comes up that Ryo did not consider before concerning his new lover.

Special thanks goes to my awesome beta readers - NeoBritt and Harini.

 

--- --- ---

 

27th Precinct, New York City

Monday, July 15, 1996

 

 

“So are you going to be able to do this?” Dee asked gently as he leaned against Ryo's desk in their office.

 

It was 4:55. They had been sitting in their office for ten minutes already, finalizing what they had discussed in defense of their not taking the case.

 

“I can't promise no blushing, but I can do this. It's easier than the undercover assignment,” Ryo stated and sighed. “So much for Bikky and Mother first. Seems the entire NYPD will find out before them.”

 

“At least we're taking care of Mother tomorrow. She's expecting us late morning,” Dee stated, folding his arms and looking at the time. He gazed at Ryo. “And if we play our cards right, we won't have to worry about people around the station, because we won't have this case to add fire to the rumors.”

 

“Okay, let get this over and done with,” Ryo stated, standing up. He leaned over to give Dee a quick peck before going over to the door.

 

Dee followed him. He studied Ryo, knowing Ryo was fretting and why. Once Dee pointed out the importance of Ryo keeping the trust of the boy he was legal guardian to by being upfront and open about the change of the relationship between Dee and Ryo, Ryo would have moments of guilt waiting so long before they could tell him. “If only we weren't so certain Bikky would take it badly at first,” Dee said as they walked toward Rose's office. “I'd suggest driving up over the weekend to tell him before he ends up the last one to know.” He wanted to ease Ryo's mind somehow. “I don't know what that kid thinks of me. One minute he's acting as if he hates me, then he's doing something to make me think he wants us together - like kicking JJ off me.”

 

Ryo chuckled. “He doesn't like JJ at all, that's for sure. I can't get him to admit it, but there's been definite hostility toward JJ. Since JJ isn't after me, then I'm certain it's because he thinks the only one who should be touching you is me.” Ryo sighed. “He'll have a fit at first, I'm certain. You don't make it easy for him to know what you think of him either,” Ryo pointed out, again. “But I think his biggest reason for not taking this well is because he's afraid that if you and me get together I won't have time for him anymore or I'll send him away. I think I know him we enough to add he's afraid of losing you too. Too many what ifs that could go through his mind making him sure he'll end up back in the streets or going from one foster home to another.”

 

“Well, we'll just have to make sure measures are taken before he comes home from camp to assure him you're not getting rid of him,” Dee assured. “I'm going to try harder to be nice to him. But if the little shit starts up anyway when I'm trying to be nice, all bets are off,” he warned Ryo.

 

Ryo looked over at Dee. “Dee, thank you. I know you're not exactly thrilled over him being around, but it means so much to me that you're agreeing to this.”

 

“Aw shit, Ryo. Despite what it looks like, I like that little rug rat. I see myself. I can't turn my back on him because of that. Even if he makes me want to throttle him sometimes. I walk away from him sometimes thinking if I was that bad, why didn't someone off me?” He gave Ryo a wry smile. “There's always going to be name calling. Even when we get along. That's just our way. So get used to it. Just as he'll have to get used to me being the boyfriend.”

 

The corridor to the commissioner's office had been empty, so the two felt they could talk softly as they walked. They walked the last few yards in silence then came to a stop before the door with Rose's name on it. Ryo checked his wrist watch. 4:59. Dee did the same thing.

 

“Alrighty then,” Dee stated in a low tone. “Blushing is okay for you, because that's just the way you are. Just stay to our plan. We'll be fine.” Dee gave Ryo an assuring smile.

 

Ryo bit his lip and a mischievous grin quickly spread. “Of course. I'm expected to blush.” He raised a finger toward Dee. “You tho —“

 

Dee grumbled. “I'm not giving that bastard the satisfaction of seeing something so sacred.”

 

Ryo laughed aloud as Dee knocked on the door. “Well, if we need to, let me see if I can make you - it might throw him off completely.” He grinned at Dee.

 

Dee glared at him out of the side of narrowed eyes as they heard Rose call out, “Enter.”

 

Dee opened the door and walked in first, holding the door for Ryo. He noticed Rose sitting behind his large desk. Rose was dressed in his usual immaculate, expensive style. He wore a black and gray vest over a crisp white shirt and gray pants, his tie also black and gray. Standing next to him was Diana Spacey. He remembered what Ryo had said about her. From what he learned earlier from Ryo as they went over their game plan, Dee had a lot to thank the flirtatious and most times annoying blond FBI agent. He also had to remember that she knew they had slept together at least once. He intended to thank her - once they used her to get their way. The FBI agent wore muted colors of crème and brown, but barely made the dress code in how revealing it was.

 

“I'm glad to see you gentlemen can make it on time for me,” Rose said with sarcasm in his voice. His accusing beady eyes flashed at Dee from behind his glasses. Dee pretended to ignore him. “Ryo, how are you? Sit down and let's get this started. Laytner, sit down.”

 

Dee frowned. `The bastard! Could he get anymore obvious?' He heard Ryo walk behind him and sit. He took the few remaining steps to stand before Rose's desk as they had planned and dropped the file on it. It landed with a sound thud.

 

He took a deep breath and calmed himself. Also according to plan, he looked directly at Rose. “Sir, we're respectfully declining this assignment.” His stare went from Rose over to Diana, and allowed a bit of an apology to show through his eyes.

 

“Respectfully?” Rose laughed. “Laytner, there is nothing about you that is respectful. Why start now?”

 

Dee frowned. “I get the feeling that not so very long ago, you thought otherwise.” He was ad libbing now, but was given free license by Ryo to defend himself however he wanted when Rose took digs at him. His intense green eyes stared coldly at Rose. “Or else you never would have spoken to me in confidence. Seems I have at least one saving grace to make myself useful.” He raised an eyebrow.

 

“Dee,” Diana stated, not giving Rose a chance to respond to Dee. “How far did you go into the file before deciding you didn't want to take it?”

 

“Page one. It was enough,” Dee shrugged.

 

She looked past Dee to Ryo, who was listening to everything said so far. It was easily agreed that Dee would handle having to do most of the talking better than Ryo. “What about you, pretty boy?” she asked Ryo.

 

“Two. Maybe three,” Ryo replied with a slight blush over her endearment.

 

“Maybe?”

 

“I skimmed.”

 

“I see. I take it you're in agreement with Dee?”

 

Ryo nodded. “I'm more against taking it than Dee is…” He lifted his wide dark eyes that were pleading to Diana. “Diana, you know me. What makes you think I can pull this off?”

 

“Because you're a damned good detective,” Diana replied. She moved from her spot behind Rose's desk to stand next to Dee. Touching his arm lightly, she pushed him gently toward the empty chair next to Ryo. “You, too. Sit down for a minute. Please, Dee.”

 

Dee shrugged and sat down next to Ryo. She sat on the edge of Rose's desk. “Okay, I know why Ryo doesn't want it. I'm not surprised. I also knew this was coming, so I'm prepared.” Her eyes fixed on Ryo.

 

Dee started to open his mouth in protest but she cut him off. “I take it you're refusing because you want to defend Ryo's virtue?”

 

Dee raised an eyebrow and shared a look with Ryo. Ryo nodded. Diana and Rose glanced at each other in wonder. Diana's attention was bought back to Dee when she heard him answer. “No. In fact, before Ryo looked at the file and saw what it was, I told him if I couldn't do it, he certainly would not be able to,” he answered honestly. According to their plan he made sure his reply would leave no doubt that Dee had his own reasons to refuse.

 

“I see. Interesting. I did not see this,” she admitted, folding her arms. “From what I hear of your past, uh, liaisons shall we put it, I would think this would be natural for you.”

 

“C'mon, Diana,” Ryo snapped in irritation, surprising Diana. Dee could tell she was expecting him to answer, not Ryo. Dee looked amazed, too, as he turned his head toward his partner. The plan included each partner answering for himself any questions directed individually and Dee handling most of those directed to both. “You're not a lawyer, this isn't court and we're not on trial,” Ryo continued, his voice gaining fire as he spoke. “It's obvious Dee and I both have individual reasons we have to pass on this.” His eyes met Dee's with apology. Dee smiled warmly, letting Ryo know that other than the surprise, he was fine with Ryo's answer.

 

Dee's attention went to Diana. “You want a successful close to this case,” he added, “then find two detectives who can act like whores, `cause that ain't us.”

 

“So there's the infamous MacLean fire I've been hearing so much about lately,” Rose commented amused. “I have to admit I've been subjected to it in the past, so I know it's an act this time. You boys practicing to switch off being the good cop, bad cop to throw a perp off? It might work.” He scowled at the two men. “But not with me.”

 

“But Commissioner….”

 

“Rose, I'm telling you….”

 

“Shut up! All of you!” Diana yelled. “Berks, darling. This is a FBI case and you did graciously loan these two fine handsome detectives to me. So with that being official, I'm going to ask we take this to their office.” She looked over at Dee and Ryo. “Just the three of us.” She turned back toward Rose, picking up the folder Dee dropped. “That's a direct order from the FBI requesting local police assistance.”

 

Rose's scowl was deeper than before as his eyes swept past Dee and settled on Ryo. “Go on. You heard the lady. I'll be seeing you tomorrow. The outcome of your meeting with Agent Spacey will determine why I'll be talking to you. Goodnight, Detectives.”

 

Ryo was wasting no time getting to his feet, additionally fueled by the need to get away from Rose's gaze, grabbing Dee's arm to pull him up. Dee gave him no resistance as he was standing up already. The three shuffled out of the office, Diana telling Rose she'd talk to him when she was finished with Dee and Ryo.

 

-- -- -- -- --

 

Once settled in their office, Dee locked the door. “You're still going to try to talk us into it,” he stated. “Even after we said no way.” He had a look on his face that said he was not going to back down.

 

She glanced over to Ryo as the brown hair detective sat down behind his desk. Odd, she thought. Ryo did not look nervous like she thought he would. She did want to get them away from Rose. The way Dee and Rose got once they started yelling at each other (and when didn't they? She sighed) they would never get anything done. She realized that this time, she had to also get Ryo out of the commissioner's face. Her second motive was to give them privacy to talk. She already let Ryo know she knew what had gone on between him and Dee, and hoped Ryo had the sense to tell his partner. Hopefully with that in mind, having the two of them alone with her, she might get both to open up more on why they would not take the case and she could appeal to them more. She shook her head. She was not expecting to have any trouble from Dee other than his defending what Ryo would not want to do. Her last motive was she had hopes that by removing them from Berkley's office and into their own, the act itself would make Ryo nervous. She frowned as she studied Ryo as he picked up a file and absently glanced through it.

 

Cursing to herself, she realized her mistake by taking them where Ryo considered his home turf. A briefing room would have been better, perhaps even an interrogation room. It was too late for that. She had to work with what she had. What she had to say still might be enough to get them to listen to reason. Her approach to find her opening so they would listen before further argument had to be changed.

 

She stared back at Dee, who stood by the door. At least his attitude was where she knew him. She could work with that. She decided Dee was the one to strike at first. “You're so damn stubborn!” she snapped. “If that wasn't one of your better qualities that makes you a damn fine detective, I'll be kicking your ass in frustration. Just hear me out.” She finally included Ryo in her tirade. “Both of you. Then if you still feel like it, Dee, you can rant and rave all you want. Ryo, you can hide under your desk. But let me warn you. It's not going to make me take you both off the case.”

 

“Hide under my desk?” Ryo asked, sounding both irritated and hurt.

 

“Dammit, Spacey!” Dee exploded. “What part of no don't you understand?”

 

`Perfect,' she thought. As she hoped, Dee gave her the opening she needed. “The part that says I need both of you. It's been decided that the actual undercover operation should be handled by local detectives. Other than the fact you both always come to my mind first when I need to work with local police, I trust you both to get the job done and done well.”

 

Dee's mouth remained open to continue his tirade, but for once no sound came out. It was obvious he was expecting a smart ass insult that he could fling back at her, not the truth in the way of compliments. She smirked as she realized she had rendered Dee Laytner speechless. She made a mental note to mark that down somewhere to remember.

 

They both turned toward Ryo's desk when they heard a snort, then a laugh. “Good one, Diana,” he chuckled. “You got him speechless.” He held up a hand. “But I still can't do this. It's not that I don't want to help you out on your cases. I'm honored that you do think of us.” His smile faded and he shook his head. “I just can't play the part you want. I'm sorry.”

 

“I expected that from you, so I warn you I'm prepared with some powerful incentives to convince you to play the part. Now Dee, close your mouth, darling. It takes away from your so attractive features.” She almost laughed as Dee snapped his mouth closed, then frowned at her. “Seriously, Dee. Cut the bull. That's not like you. Tell me honestly why you won't take the case. I get one of you to play the role to fit our victims and the other I can moderate the role. Dee, sorry sweetie, but my money's on you setting yourself up to play the role close to the victims. Your profile matches it. Do you know what that is?”

 

Dee nodded. “Enough. The truth, Diana?” He ran a hand through his hair nervously, then checked his jacket pockets, looking uneasy.

 

“Dee,” Ryo called out. When Dee looked toward his partner, he put out his hand to catch what Ryo tossed to him.

 

Dee looked at Ryo surprised before taking a cigarette out of the pack he had left on Ryo's desk before they went to Rose's office. He lit it, taking a long drag from it, the smoke curling gently from his mouth after he exhaled. He looked back to Ryo with a grateful look on his face. He placed the pack in his jacket pocket and continued to smoke the cigarette, his eyes on Diana. “The cut to the chase, no bull answer is I don't fit that profile. Not anymore. Yes, that was me once, but not for the last two years. I'm pretty much settled down. There's only one person in my life now and forever.”

 

“Aw, how sweet.” Diana moved so she could see both their faces. “So Ryo, how much further did you both take this after that first time? You two finally humping like bunnies?”

 

Ryo turned fire engine red. Not just his cheeks, but his entire face and ears. She was expecting that. Particularly if what she said was true. Instead of smiling and laughing as she expected herself to do, her eyebrows shot up as she turned her attention to Dee, who turned slightly away from her and dropped his head. She could tell he was smiling and it looked like one of those lovesick puppy, dopey type of smiles. She studied him a little closer. “Hmmm… I thought your coloring was olive, Dee?”

 

To her further surprise, Ryo burst out in laughter. “Dee! You promised.”

 

“Rose is not here, dammit” Dee growled, but she heard the humor in his voice. Head still down, he went over to his desk to put out his cigarette in the ashtray there.

 

“What the hell?” She looked at the two of them.

 

Ryo laughed again. “It seems I uncovered another layer that Dee kept hidden.”

 

“Buried shit,” Dee muttered. “I never until….” He shook his head. “Shit!” Finally he looked over to Diana. “I guess I should be thankful he's too bashful around you to tease me like he does.” Dee grinned at her, winking, quickly shaking off his momentary lapse in his usual attitude.

 

“Dee,” Ryo warned, flushed.

 

“Well, it's true,” Dee smirked.

 

The two men's eyes locked and they gazed at each other. Diana noted how Ryo matched Dee's gaze, looking into Dee's soul through green eyes, while Dee was losing himself in Ryo's dark midnight gaze.

 

She cleared her throat. “Okay, I got more than my answer from both of you. So Ryo, once again. Did you find your answer? You weren't exactly convincing the last time you answered me.”

 

Ryo sighed deeply, still lost in Dee's eyes. “Yes,” he replied, his voice clear and confident. “I did.”

 

“Dee? Find anything you were looking for?”

 

“Definitely,” he grinned.

 

“All right. Unfortunately for both of you, neither one may fit the victim exactly, but you are still both what we need to catch the perp. So I'm willing to compromise a little. Dee, you're still being cast in the role.”

 

Dee tore his eyes away from Ryo and leaned against his desk. “Diana, I just said I can't.” He sounded frustrated. “Look, like Ryo, I don't mind helping you out on your cases. If I could I would. But I can't.”

 

“I'm not ordering you to screw with your pick-ups, you dumbass,” Diana snapped in annoyance.

 

Dee's eyes narrowed. “So what the fuck am I expected to do after I pick someone up? Suggest I wanted a partner to play Old Maid?” Dee sounded more frustrated,

 

“No!” Diana yelled back, going to stand before him. “Just be a cocktease!”

 

Dee's face flushed with hot anger, his eyes narrowing more. He opened his mouth to protest again, but the growl in response came from Ryo. “He's not going to come on to anyone but me, Diana.”

 

She and Dee turned in Ryo's direction to find him standing behind his desk, leaning over so his hands were palm down on the desk surface. Furious dark, stormy eyes fixed on her.

 

“What he said,” Dee added.

 

“Shut up, both of you! Now listen here! I'm happy for the two of you. Hell, I'm ecstatic. I believe this will last forever. Really. But we have a case that I need you both for. So shut up and stay still and listen to everything I say. Don't make me use what I'm intending as a bonus at the end of this assignment as a threat. Do you hear me?”

 

Dee went to complain. “Nah! Quiet!” She gazed at both men. While in many ways the two were opposites, she was still trying to figure out which one was more stubborn. After all the time she knew them, she still came up with a draw. Normally being the calm one, when provoked, Ryo could be harder to handle because he held onto his anger longer than Dee. Dee would constantly shout and curse, glare for a little while, mumble, then get over it and move on. Ryo held onto his anger and milked it for all he could before he'd grudgingly give in sometime later.

 

Thankfully their tempers were like the rest of what made them fit well together. They always balanced each other. Most times when Ryo's fuse was ignited, Dee managed to maintain some semblance of calm, unless Dee was the target of Ryo's anger. Diana did not want to be in the middle of both men with tempers flaring at each other. She sighed, knowing she was she now the focal point of their combined anger, and it was only going to get worse before she hoped to make them see reason.

 

She lowered her voice to a normal tone. “Look guys, I'm trying to work with you on this. So cool your jets until you hear me out.”

 

“We're listening,” Dee said, glancing at Ryo, who nodded. She realized Dee was not telling his partner to agree with him. They merely came to a quick unspoken decision to let her talk.

 

`That's one helluva bond there and all the more reason not to break up their working relationship.' She hoped she could make them see that. She understood the reason why two partners physically involved should not remain together. As in everything, there are always exceptions. Dee and Ryo were one of the exceptions in this case. She understood that these two men should not be split up unless they requested it, and if they did, it still might be a mistake. That was why she did not say anything when she got Ryo to admit they finally slept together. Despite his own obsession with Ryo, Berkley Rose was in agreement, even if he only suspected the relationship had reached the next level. Rose had stated to her once that when he first started to believe Ryo had become an active, willing participant at times in kissing Dee, that would have qualified them to be split up. Whether either or both men denied it, the last two years had been some sort of weird dating ritual for them.

 

The problem was she did know about their new relationship, and Berkley had his suspicions. Should anyone above Rose ask why they were still partnered at work, she needed to give solid proof to her theory. She was going to get it from them on this case whether they liked it or not. If they refused it, they could find themselves with other partners at work. Diana was not going to give them the choice to refuse. One day they'd see it was for their own good, and then at least Ryo would thank her.

 

“Okay. First, the reasons why you were selected. Other than you come recommended by me as the best two detectives in the NYPD, and that's on the record with the cases you assisted the FBI. Ask me, you're both the best I've worked with period. So, we need a top team in NYPD. We need a team that functions well together and has a rapport without words. As l to add to our needs, we need that team that both be homosexual. That alone gives us a limited choice in the force to choose from. Yes, there're quite a few gay detectives in New York, but most of them are partnered with someone who's straight. I can't send straight cops on this one. And I can't chance throwing two men who never worked together before. Ryo, stop blushing.”

 

“That's not a blush,” Dee said quietly, concern in his voice.

 

Diana turned to Ryo. “What?!? I thought you said you found the answer you were looking for?”

 

“I did,” Ryo replied, too calmly for Diana and Dee's likings. “I found I loved Dee.”

 

“Diana, this is perhaps another reason why we can't take this case,” Dee suggested gently. “There's some things that don't happen overnight.”

 

“Ryo, I swear. I kicked your ass into getting it in gear with Dee. And I'm going to kick it again to open your freakin' eyes!” Fuming, she turned on Dee. “And you! You're not helping him going along with this, you know!”

 

“I can't make him say what he isn't ready to, you modern day Medusa!” Dee snapped back hotly.

 

“Hey, you two. I'm sitting right here,” Ryo remarked, annoyed.

 

Diana was at wits end with both of them. She faced Ryo again. “Perhaps I should make sure I understand. You did put your ass in gear for Dee and not the other way around?”

 

Ryo was blushing again. Badly. Diana smiled in triumph. When Ryo blushed, his anger lessened. Now how to handle Dee?

 

“That's not your business and I doubt has anything to do with the case,” Ryo stated, staring at Diana wide-eyed with outrage.

 

“Damn right it doesn't!” Dee blew up. “What the fuck kind of question was that, you sea hag?”

 

She knew how to handle Dee. Once he exploded a little more, he should be ready to calm down and listen for a few more minutes before his temper flared again. Hopefully she could finish what she had to say by then.

 

“Just my own curiosity, is all. Being how we're all friends and stuff. And I'm probably the only one who officially knows what's going on between the two of you. Calm down, sexy. I can see you're the big he-man. I doubt you could ever put your ass out for anyone. Isn't that right, darlin' Dee?”

 

Dee nearly went apoplectic and swore up a storm of curses. She turned from Dee to look at Ryo, who did not notice her study of him. Ryo was staring at Dee with a strange look. Diana smirked. She just meant to dig in a little and take a cheap shot to put Dee's anger over the edge a little so he would finally simmer down some. Judging from Dee's reaction and the way Ryo was staring at him, she wondered if she had to now corner Dee alone to kick his ass into high gear for Ryo.

 

“Alright already!” she yelled. “Dee, I didn't mean to insult your masculinity. Now shut up before you two start saying something I really don't want to hear.”

 

Ryo was now standing, going over to calm his partner down. “That's a good way to get us to listen and agree with you,” Ryo snapped, placing his arms around his agitated lover. “Dee, calm down,” he said low, his mouth close to Dee's ear. “She was only yanking your chain. There's no reason to get so upset over it.” His voice was calm and tranquil, but Diana caught an edge to it that could mean trouble for them later.

 

Dee suddenly lost his fire as Ryo moved his mouth to Dee's neck. Dee placed his arms around Ryo and rested his head on Ryo's shoulder, letting out a small happy sigh.

 

“Better now?” Ryo whispered in his ear before lightly kissing the ear.

 

Dee nodded, closing his eyes and drawing a ragged breath, allowing Ryo to hold him. Softly, placing his mouth near Ryo, he asked in a level that Diana barely made out what he said. “Y-you do like being things the way they are, don't you?” he asked.

 

Ryo smiled, moving his head so he could kiss Dee's mouth softly. “Of course I do. I love it. I love feeling you inside me. I love you, Dee.”

 

Diana could have smacked Ryo upside his head. Maybe Dee did not notice, but she noticed what was going on inside Ryo's head. `They're both so accommodating to each other now it's sickening,' she thought. It would also most likely turn into a major blow-out at some point.

 

Dee sighed, this time blissfully and hugged Ryo tighter. “I'm sorry. I'm being a baby again. If there's ever…I mean, should you want… I'll be willing to prove her wrong, you know.” Dee opened his eyes and glared over Ryo's shoulder over at Diana, who had taken a seat on the edge of Ryo's desk and pretended to look at his pens in his holder.

 

She almost snorted. She knew what Ryo was going to say and it would only make things worse. Especially since she knew Ryo was very aware that he would be lying.

 

“I know, baby. But I'm happy with things as they are.” Ryo did not disappoint Diana, thought she had wished he would. Ryo kissed the side of Dee's head, running fingers through Dee's rumpled hair and smiled gently at him. After another moment of holding each other and giving Dee time to calm down, they shared a brief kiss. Still holding each other, they both faced Diana.

 

It did not look good from Diana's point of view. Instead of getting them both where she wanted them, they now stood before her, renewed with a fresh burst of stubbornness and firmly united against her.

 

If only they were not so damn good at what they did, and she liked to work with them. She sighed, wondering the next best way to handle them.

 

-- -- -- -- --

 

Ryo stared at Diana, his arm firmly around Dee's waist, feeling Dee's arm around his shoulders. They were holding each other not as just friends. It was an intimate hold between lovers. Ryo did not even think about it as he turned with Dee to face Diana. As he was comforting Dee, he had forgotten that she was still in the office, most probably hearing them talk and seeing them kiss. Watching Ryo lick Dee's neck just below his earlobe, which when done a certain way, with just the right touch, it was a calming balm to his lover. He had learned that trick when they were still at the stage of just kissing and making out and had since used it often whenever they were in private. This time it was not so private.

 

`Odd,' Ryo wondered as he felt Dee give him a reassuring squeeze, as if Dee just realized what they were doing. He turned his head to smile at his lover, saw in green eyes that was exactly what happened. Dee stared back in wonder, his eyes telling Ryo it was okay to let go now. Dee's arm started to loosen as if he was going to pull it away. Ryo reached up with his free hand to keep it in place by grasping Dee's hand. `I should feel uncomfortable right about now. I should be blushing like a fool.'

 

He saw in Dee's eyes the wonder of what Ryo was allowing them to do. It was the first time they had openly displayed their relationship to anyone. Ryo may have told Ted, but Ted was yet to see them anything other than how they normally were at work, or when they went out a couple of times with Ted and the others to a bar after work for a little while before heading back to one of their apartments to pick up where they left off in the morning.

 

`Perhaps it's because she not only told me she figured us out, but she played a major part in my finally giving into what I desired with Dee.' Thinking back over the past two weeks, Ryo realized that Dee was not the only one who owed her a huge thanks.

 

`But it will not be by easily giving in and taking the case,' he added.

 

-- -- -- -- --

 

Diana sat on Ryo's desk, looking over the contents that were neatly placed on the surface. Not touching anything, just looking. She did not try to listen in on the low talk between the two lovers, but their voices still drifted softly, if barely, and she heard them anyway. What impressed her was how quickly Ryo got Dee to let go of his anger. Dee was the one to cool down sooner, but for some reason he went off into a mood that should have taken hours to cool from. She smiled knowingly. She also noted Ryo calming from a look or a word from Dee. They were in their honeymoon stage, she was sure of it. Most probably humping like bunnies, which is why they both had trouble getting into work on time. She knew there would be fights in the future, but she was also certain they would just grow stronger from them. Ryo and Dee were good for each other, and she saw a lasting relationship.

 

`Hell, Dee seems almost human most of the time,' she thought in joke, smiling a little to herself. She pretended to ignore them until she felt them staring at her. She sighed. “Are we calm now? Good. Now I'm going to take a different approach here. Instead of pleading for the case, I'm going to inform you of something you need to know. This is only between the three of us. Then I want you both to go home. You don't have to agree to take the case today, but don't give me a definite no either. Between then and 3 pm tomorrow, try to keep your hands off each other long enough to get familiar with the case, and give me some suggestions on how you want to handle it. We'll work out the details when we meet at 3. Can you give me that much? Please?”

 

Ryo sighed and looked over to Dee, his eyes telling Dee it was his decision. That meant she finally had Ryo.

 

Dee ran his free hand through his hair. “If we find a way to work it out so neither of us needs to attempt any pick-ups,” Dee started to ask, “will you allow it?”

 

“Yes,” she said heartfully in relief. “Give me something that's workable for you that will work for the case and you got it.”

 

Ryo nodded, looking at Dee. “Okay. No promises we'll agree to the case and no promises that that if we do we'll have our usual success.”

 

“It's a tough one, I know. It's very sensitive because of its nature. And the gay community is making noises that the police aren't doing anything about it. You know the spiel, because they're gay and all that.”

 

Dee shook his head. “The police have been investigating gay bashing for over a decade now. What's with those people anyway? Always crying about how unfair life is.”

 

“Not everyone can be like you, Dee,” Ryo said gently. It was not a retort because the admiration was evident in his voice.

 

“Yeah, well, stick with me and you'll get the hang of it. I promise you that. After all, you got over the hardest part.” He winked at Ryo with a charming smile.

 

“Anyway, Ryo might have noticed, since he got a little further than you, Dee, it's not just happening in New York. Most of the major cities are having the same problem. So the FBI decided to step in. You'll be the New York investigators and most probably also the lead team to correlate data as we get it from across the country. We're not just trying to stop someone in New York. I'm not even sure if the main culprit is based in any of the cities affected.

 

Dee nodded. “Sounds like decoration time again if we manage to pull this off,” he remarked off handed. It was not meant to be taken seriously.

 

Diana's response was quite the opposite. “Yes. No matter which team pulls it off, the fact that you both will be coordinating will all of them, then as the leaders you'll get the praise too.”

 

“Ah shit,” Dee muttered. “That would mean digging out my uniform and getting it pressed.”

 

Ryo chuckled. “I'm good at pressing uniforms,” he said with a wink.

 

“You better, `cause you're great at wrinkling my other clothes,” Dee said, then grinned. It got wider as Ryo blushed. He leaned over to kiss Ryo on his cheek. “But that's one of the reasons why I love you.” He pulled away from Ryo and went over to Ryo's desk where the folder sat. He picked it up before dropping in his own chair. Ryo went to stand behind Dee, looking over his shoulder as Dee scanned the file.

 

Diana let out a breath she did not know she was holding. At last, she sighed. Even if joking, Dee was talking as if they would take the case and be successful. Two thoughtful looking faces peered down at the file Dee held in his hands as he leaned back in his seat. One hand went into his jacket pocket to take out a cigarette. Diana sat in one of the extra chairs and let them go over the file a little as Dee smoked his cigarette.

 

Ryo started to frown first. “Gay bars?” he asked nervously.

 

“Yes. Mostly in the Village, but if need to, some of the other gay related spots around the city. You won't be working only in Manhattan. We had four stiffs in the Village, two in Queens and one in Brooklyn.”

 

“I didn't even realize there were gay bars outside of Manhattan,” Dee laughed weakly. Suddenly his mouth was a tight line and he glanced up at Diana nervously.

 

“Okay, spill it Laytner,” Diana said. “Ryo I expect that look from. Not you. Let me check again, even thought you told me many times before. You are bisexual, aren't you?”

 

Dee sighed heavily. “Yeah. I was.”

 

“Was?” Diana shot an eyebrow up.

 

He shrugged. She glanced up to check on Ryo's reaction. “Before you go asking him a stupid question,” Dee said softly, “yes, I know he's male. And yes, he's my lover.” He smiled an apology up behind him at the blush he knew was coming from his partner. “Sorry, babe, but I need to make myself clear. It's not as if she didn't know. Guess when I first realized what this case is about, I've been doing some quick rethinking. I have only one person I'm interested in. I don't ever want anyone else. That's you, baby. Hell, I don't even notice anyone, male or female, except in general appreciation. If this was just another passing affair, I would have stopped at yeah. But it's not. It's permanent. Guess my bi days are over.” He smiled warmly at Ryo.

 

“How sentimental,” Diana said, but could not help smiling. Dee was a changed man by having Ryo as a lover, and he was still changing. For two years, he stopped sleeping around. For two years he went without sex to prove to Ryo his intentions were honorable. She knew Dee enough to know he had also lost interest in anyone else but the man he had hoped to one day share his life with. Now that he had Ryo, Diana could already see Dee was starting to settle down. If Ryo ever got it in his head to doubt Dee's fidelity in the future, she'd have to kick his ass. Dee had long proven himself capable of monogamy.

 

As she watched Ryo lean down to kiss the top of his head and take one of Dee's hands in his, she added that Ryo was changing too. He might kick and scream about some changes in his lifestyle, but with Dee's love, he'll eventually overcome it. He already had come quite a way already.

 

Now if only she could finally snag the man of her dreams, she sighed.

 

-- -- -- --

 

“I understand,” Ryo said quietly to Dee, in response to his surprising reply.

 

“Diana, to finish what you were starting,” Dee stated. “I never hit up gay bars. I discovered enough interested men in straight bars. Most probably lots of bisexuals went to them for the same reason I had. I wasn't sure what I wanted to take home until I found someone that interested me. That would be male or female. So the best place to go would be where both would be. But bisexual men still have gaydar. I was able to spot a man inclined that way in 30 seconds, whether he knew it or not.”

 

“Crap,” he heard muttered from behind. “Never fooled you, huh? Even when I was fooling myself.”

 

“Yes Ryo. I'm damned glad I saw it in you, because I'd never have went after you. I probably still would have fallen in love with you, because there's plenty for me to fall in love with. That would have been messy, because I never believed in tricking straight men into thinking they wanted me. That's not my style. I'd prefer having someone already inclined that way. I don't force myself onto someone who isn't gay or bisexual.”

 

He did not dare look up at Ryo. He had just admitted what he never had before, not even when they were tentatively discussing Ryo's sexuality. He got a surprise when he felt long, strong fingers running through his hair.

 

“Thank God for gaydar,” Ryo murmured into his ear.

 

Dee closed his eyes for a second. If he didn't, he would not be able to stop the tears that burned behind his eyes. He was reminded again at how overwhelmed he got whenever Ryo did things like that. His emotions had a habit of overpowering him, sometimes confusing and scaring him. Which was the reason why he suddenly found himself earning the nickname `adorable' from Ryo. He hoped he would get them under control soon enough, but feared it was unlikely to happen in the near future.

 

“So we have two of the finest cops in New York City,” he heard Diana's voice say, and opened his eyes to look at her, “both in a homosexual relationship, but are both virgins to gay bars? Sheesh! What is it with you two?”

 

“Aw, c'mon Diana,” Dee said. Gesturing to himself, he asked, “Do you see anything here that say virgin? Cripes! Insult me, why don't you?”

 

Ryo laughed. His face was flushed pink, but he laughed, placing his hands on Dee's shoulder. It was getting easier for him to relate to Dee as his lover in front of Diana. Dee felt it and smiled. `It must be because of the part Diana played in getting us finally together. We have to find a way to thank that woman,' Dee thought, leaning into the touch.

 

“What's so funny, Ryo?” Diana asked amused. “Know of any virgin territory on Dee?”

 

“Screw you,” Dee laughed.

 

“Well… I was thinking,” Ryo started, still blushing hotly, but made himself talk on anyway. Dee had a feeling this was going to be a good one. He leaned his head back to look up at Ryo as Ryo continued to speak. “After these last two weeks, I have to agree with Dee.” He winked down at Dee's grinning face. “Definitely nothing virgin here either,” he stated, referring to himself.

 

“See what you're doing to him, Dee?” Diana asked a stunned looking Dee.

 

”Holy shit!” Dee burst out in laughter, then grinned up at Ryo. “I'll get used to it one day. I guess,” he stated ruefully. He reached up to caress Ryo's face, before dropping his hand and looking back to Diana.

 

“Okay, so now that I have you both relaxed and agreeing to at least give it a try, let me share something with you. This is not a threat, so don't think of it as such. I'm on your side. So work with me and I'll work with you. Just like the case.”

 

“What's that?” Dee started to frown.

 

“As I said, this stays between the three of us. There's talk among the precinct. I'm sure you're already aware of it. And not just in CI. I won't say everyone in the 27th is talking, but enough if heard by the wrong people can make waves. Mostly speculation, but if IA hears even rumors, they will have to investigate.”

 

“A cop can be gay!” Dee protested. “I know that. I never took a political part in it, nor did I go announcing it out of the blue. But when asked, I've always been open about being bi. Even in the academy. I didn't stop me from graduating and becoming a cop. And if didn't stop my being promoted up to detective.”

 

“I know, Dee. Gay isn't the problem. It's that your partner is your lover.”

 

“Oh crap! I didn't think of that. And here I've been quite loose in telling my intentions to get Ryo to anyone who asked. Shit! Good thing Ryo is hesitant about telling others because I'd have confirmed it the next day.”

 

“You should know that Berks suspects you're both together now, but like everyone else, it's speculation. I didn't say anything,” she said, looking at Ryo. “But he has a feeling something happened the night it first did. You see, he was in the suite with me when you called me about Ryo, Dee. He's also been interested enough in you, Ryo, to sense something that might go past everyone else. Dee, you do realize he conceded to you when he sent you out to stop Ryo from doing something stupid?”

 

“Then he had time to….” Ryo started.

 

“Investigate,” Dee finished. “To confirm his feelings.”

 

“He did. But he won't. Unless IAD pressures him.” Her eyes shifted to Dee. “Or if Dee pisses him off enough. Berkley hates to admit it, but he knows a good team when he sees it. As long as he can, he'll look the other way. And it's not as if he has not been doing his own fraternization within the precinct.” She winked at them. “I'm willing to place some pressure on Internal Affairs if it comes down to it. I will not have my favorite team that helps out the FBI disintegrated. So, among all the evidence I gathered on how your bond is the New York police force's greatest asset, you both need to take this case. It will test your ability to deal as lovers and partners. Yes, you both come on top of the list as far as fitting the criteria set. But you need to succeed in this case as much as I need you to take it. Do that and I can get IA to back down. And if in the future it becomes an issue again, and I can't stop them from separating you, I can guarantee you both an option. One that will keep you in police work. So what do you say, boys?” She looked at them hopefully.

 

Ryo's hands tightened on Dee's shoulders. “Diana, you got yourself some detectives to go undercover,” he said.

 

“And succeed,” Dee added. “Holy crap! What if they stick me with JJ if that happened? I'll become a murderer. I'm sure of it.”

 

Diana and Ryo looked at each other and laughed. Dee joined them.

 

“Do we have a deal then?” she asked.

 

“Deal,” both men stated together.

 

They opted to stay late at the precinct, going over the case, taking notes and work out how they were to play their cover.

 

** ** ** ** **

 

“3 am,” Dee groaned, dropping onto his couch. “I didn't realize it took us that long to work everything out.”

 

“That gives us twelve hours to sleep,” Ryo said, then paused to yawn as he sat down next to Dee. “And see Mother, talk to our lawyer and still find time for other things.”

 

Dee yawned loudly. They got what they wanted: a later shift. Unfortunately since they started their day off getting up for an early shift, even being late, the day became too long. He dropped his head back and closed his eyes. “Like eat,” he said. He fought to keep from grinning as he felt Ryo's eyes on him. He loved baiting Ryo. It was particularly interesting in the last two weeks. Ryo was not so naïve once he made up his mind what he wanted, but still fell for Dee's jokes; they were just a bit raunchier now. He turned his head toward his lover with an innocent look, green eyes blinking up at Ryo. “I miss something?” he asked.

 

Ryo continued to stare.

 

“What?” Dee asked. Oh it was getting so hard to keep from laughing. He froze his face in that ridiculous innocent look.

 

The dark eyed stare got more intense. `Damn, he's onto me,' Dee thought. Ryo was waiting for him to say it, but Dee wanted Ryo to be the one. He still had trouble believing what a minx Ryo turned out to be once he let himself go. Dee Laytner was not complaining, giving his thanks everyday for having Ryo as his lover. The silence stretched for several minutes, Ryo staring and Dee with the frozen innocent look, trying with all his might not to burst out in laughter. He knew he was using the little energy he had left in this weird game they were playing.

 

Finally Ryo's voice broke the silence. “No one can look that innocent and mean it. And on you, it makes you look like an idiot, since we both know there's nothing innocent about you.”

 

Dee put on a pout. “Not true.”

 

“Sure.” Ryo shook his head.

 

“Really.”

 

“If you insist.” Ryo moved away from Dee and shimmied to sit on the other side of the couch. He lifted his arms above him and stretched. “Boy am I tired. I guess since we listed everything we need to do in twelve hours, I should be going home now.” He made movement to start getting up.

 

Dee reached over and grabbed Ryo by his belt and pulled him back, making sure his lover landed close to him. Dee started to giggle.

 

“Just remember something?” Ryo asked, amusement in his voice.

 

Dee burst out in laughter. “Like I could ever forget that!” He smiled as Ryo closed the distance to lean against Dee, and yawned again. Dee placed his arm around Ryo's shoulders and pulled his head for a kiss. Their lips touched for a long, lingering sweet kiss, mostly the touching of lips. Dee pulled his head back, licking his lips with a smile. “My head is spinning,” he groaned. “What even that type of kiss does to me. I love you so much, Ryo.” His fingers played with Ryo's hair.

 

“I love you, Dee.”

 

They both yawned at the same time.

 

“Uh, Ryo?”

 

“Hmmm?” Ryo rested his head on Dee's shoulder and closed his eyes, a tiny smile curling his lips.

 

“Fast and hard tonight?” Dee asked.

 

“Fast definitely, but do we have the strength for hard?” he murmured wearily.

 

“Humph…. Got a point there.” Dee leaned his head against Ryo's. “Well, hard in that sense.”

 

“And no problem with the other type?” Ryo asked tiredly.

 

“Crap,” Dee grumbled. “I think I really am too worn out.”

 

Ryo chuckled. “It's the end of the world,” he announced.

 

“Asshole.”

 

A lazy smile came to Ryo's mouth. “Yup, I've got one, and if you don't know that by now….” he mumbled into Dee's shoulder.

 

“Ryo…” Dee chuckled, then yawned, too tired for one of his usual surprised responses.

 

“Tomorrow is going to be busy, then we have to work tomorrow night. It's still going to be a stressful shift,” Ryo said.

 

“There's a surefire way to remove stress,” Dee suggested.

 

“We'd need to be more awake than this.” Shifting so he could bury his face further in Dee's shoulder, he draped an arm across Dee's chest. “You're still wearing your tie,” Ryo stated sleepily, his fingers clumsily attempting to untie the knot. “Damn.” He yawned again. “Too tired to get you out of your clothes.”

 

Dee smiled a little, then sighed. “Think we can help each other into the bedroom?” he asked.

 

“We can try,” Ryo mumbled.

 

Dee yawned loudly. “Hey, babe. Got an idea.”

 

“What?”

 

“We get into bed, snuggle up and kiss until we fall asleep.”

 

“Plan,” Ryo yawned.

 

“Let's just hope we're not sucking face too hard or we could suffocate in our sleep.”

 

“Uh huh.” A few seconds of silence went by, only to be shattered by Ryo. “That would confirm the rumors when the police show up to investigate and find us like that.”

 

Dee let out a chuckle.

 

Ryo kissed Dee's shoulder. ”Uck!”

 

Dee frowned. “What?”

 

“Your shirt doesn't taste as good as your skin.”

 

Dee's answering laugh was cut short by another yawn. “C'mon baby. Let's get to bed. I don't feel like sleeping on the couch tonight.”

 

“Me either.”

 

They struggled, helping each other to their feet and arms around the other made their tired way to Dee's bedroom.

 

As Dee closed the door, Ryo said, “Remember to take off our holsters and put away the guns.”

 

“Yeah. Only one type of gun is allowed to go off in here.”

 

“Dee!”

 

“Though I doubt it tonight.”

 

As they got ready for bed, Dee mumbled, “Snuggle and kiss, remember not to suck face too hard.”

 

Ryo let out a laugh.

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

TBF03 Edited - Beta'd Once 14 of 23